Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Mississauga gymnastics coach charged with sexual assault

A Mississauga gymnastics coach is facing charges after a 15-year-old girl alleged she was sexually assaulted over a four-year period.

Peel police said the victim contacted them on Jan. 22 to report sexual incidents with her coach.

Following a sexual assault investigation, a Canada wide arrest warrant was issued for the man on Jan. 26. Police said he surrendered on Monday.

Police said the man was an active gymnastic coach in the Peel Region, Ottawa and in Western Canada.

Gymnastics Ontario executive director Dave Sandford told the Star that the victim initially filed a complaint against her coach to the organization late last year. He would not comment on the nature of the complaint.

“[The initial complaint] was not to this level. Peel police were not involved,” said Sandford.

He said the coach was suspended for three months in October, following an independent review panel investigation.

“The hardest part is these young athletes coming forward because the people they’ve trusted have broken their trust,” said Sandford. (more...)